The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers and stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to fully embrace technology as a strategic tool for enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
He made the call while addressing participants at the Nigeria Customs Service ICT retreat, held on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, in Abuja.
Themed “Leveraging Technology for Smarter Customs Operations,” the retreat brought together top ICT professionals, customs officers, and policy experts to discuss emerging technologies and their potential to transform the nation’s customs operations.
In his keynote address, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the importance of digitization in customs procedures and urged personnel to build capacity, adopt innovation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
“We cannot afford to lag behind in a world driven by data and digital solutions. If we are to meet the expectations of stakeholders, we must let technology lead the way,” he stated.
Adeniyi highlighted several reforms currently being undertaken by the service, including the modernization of clearance processes, deployment of smart surveillance systems, and implementation of the e-Customs project.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to aligning with international standards and collaborating with private sector players to drive innovation and improve trade facilitation.
Participants at the retreat engaged in technical sessions on blockchain integration, big data analytics, cybersecurity, and the role of artificial intelligence in customs operations.
The CGC concluded his address with a charge to officers to be champions of change, stating that the future of customs lies in strategic adaptation to technological advancements.
